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It’s what everyone has been waiting to see…. the Fall 2015 class descriptions are finally ready! We have some great classes planned for fall. It’s going to be a great year! 🙂

*Please note: This is still a working document so some changes may be made.

Age 3 and under (Total cost for both sessions: $10)

Sression 1:

10:00-12:00 Nursery Time
Playtime in the nursery with assigned parents.

*Special Note for 2 and 3 year olds:
The 2 and 3 year olds will participate in story/craft/sensory activities from 10-11 in the room connected to the nursery. They will join the nursery for playtime and snack from 11-12. This will be a great opportunity for them to participate in some “big kid” activities while still allowing them the free playtime they enjoy!

Session 2:

10:00-12:00 Nursery Time
Playtime in the nursery with assigned parents

*Special Note for 2 and 3 year olds:
The 2 and 3 year olds will participate in story/craft/sensory activities from 10-11 in the room connected to the nursery. They will join the nursery for playtime and snack from 11-12. This will be a great opportunity for them to participate in some “big kid” activities while still allowing them the free playtime they enjoy!

4 and 5 year olds (Total cost for both sessions: $15)
*The morning routine for this age group is warm up/story/craft/snack/yoga/stations.

Session 1:

10:00-11:00 Oh say can you see? Little hands Celebrate America!
This session will introduce the idea of symbolism through examples the represent America. American symbols represent important ideas like freedom, fairness, equality and self-rule. We will read stories and do activities that use these symbols of the American heritage to study history and learn about the country we live in.

11:00-11:30 Yoga

11:30-12:00 Stations
Students get the opportunity to explore the themes of the day during the stations. We integrate many subjects into these learning centers, and the kids get the opportunity to explore and discover while visiting and cooperating with their peers.

Session 2:

10:00-11:00 Literature-Based Learning
We will read the classic children books Caps for Sale, Madeline, Katy No-Pocket, Blueberries for Sal, and Corduroy. Learning activities will be based on these stories and will introduce concepts in math, science, art, vocabulary, geography, and architecture.

11:00-11:30 Yoga

11:30-12:00 Stations
Students get the opportunity to explore the themes of the day during the stations. We integrate many subjects into these learning centers, and the kids get the opportunity to explore and discover while visiting and cooperating with their peers.

10:45-11:30 Literature – Five in a Row
Each week students will explore a book selection from the Five in a Row curriculum. Following a brief discussion, the children will complete activities that relate to the book. We will explore science, art, geography, nature, music and community during the 5 week session.

11:30-12:00 – Yoga

Session 2

10:00-10:45 Fun with the 50 states
Saddle up your ride and take a trip through the 50 states. This session will introduce each of the 50 states through a fun and easy to recite poem. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to remember all the fifty states when it is put to rhyme. In addition, we will map our way through the country learning fun geographical, historical and informative facts along the way.

10:45-11:30 Fun with Chemistry
Learn about the essential elements for chemistry using real terms and concepts, including atoms and molecules, acids and bases, and more. Fun experiments and related activities will help introduce young students to the wonderful world of science.

11:30-12:00 Yoga

8 and 9 year olds (Total cost for both sessions: $25)

Session110:00-11:00 Geology
In this introductory Earth Science class students will explore the fundamentals of geology (rocks and minerals, earths interior, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the fossil record) through experiments, crafts, lap books, and stories.

11:00-12:00 Observational Drawing
This class will focus on training student’s brains to draw what they see instead of relying on what they know. In a world that requires a heavy use of left brain thought with our need for language, math, and symbols, our right brains don’t often get the opportunity to shine. Students’ right hemispheres will have many opportunities to practice true observation that will encourage a change in habits that usually have children relying on symbols and images from memory. A steady practice of observational drawing can be a great confidence builder!

Session 210:00-11:00 Let’s Learn about Nutrition
In this class, students will learn various ways the foods we eat can affect our bodies. We will discuss the importance of eating balanced meals, how to read nutrition labels, and why we should try to reduce our sugar intake. We will also have a couple of hands-on cooking activities during the session.

11:00-12:00 Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance Man
Students will be introduced to one of the most fascinating people in world history. Although Leonardo da Vinci had very minimal schooling as a child, he learned more than any school could’ve provided through careful observation of the world around him. As a child, adult, and until the day he died, this great observer extensively explored the fields of engineering, painting, architecture, and anatomy, producing over 13,000 pages of sketches. In this class, students will build on their observational drawing skills from session one and discover ways to test their inquisitive nature much like da Vinci. They will learn what it means to be a Renaissance Man or Woman, and get to know the biography of an individual whose love of learning knew no limits!

10 – 12 year olds (Total cost for both sessions: $25)

Session 1

10:00- 11:00 Millionaire 101
Learn the fundamental investing techniques needed to own and manage a portfolio of businesses. We will explore real companies you can invest in and learn how to determine if the investment will be profitable. Students will have the opportunity to test and apply these skills in a real-world investment portfolio.

11:00 – 12:00 Yearbook Class
This will be a year-long project in which students will work individually and as a team to create a fun, innovative, and visually pleasing yearbook for the entire co-op. Students will learn the purpose and the concept of a unifying theme, graphic design, interviewing and reporting, writing and editing, and photography. Students will learn layout in manual mockups and digital yearbook design software.Students are invited to bring personal laptops and digital cameras. Homework may be assigned.

Session 2

10:00 – 11:00 Geology Rocks!
Students will explore the fundamentals of geology (rocks and minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, and erosion) through notebooking, experiments, and living books.

11:00 – 12:00 Insane in the Membrane: Cells Alive!

Join us for an introduction to the smallest unit of life: the cell! We will discover the difference between living and non-living things, learn the basic parts of a cell (and their functions) and gain a microscopic appreciation of life through hands-on activities and the arts. Students will be invited to make a 3-D model of a cell to show what they have learned!

Teens (Total cost for both session: $36)

Session 1:

10:00-11:00 Intro to Cooking
Do you wish your teen would cook more often so you can sit back and relax? Then this is the class for you! Your teen will explore the basics of cooking prep along with learning about various kitchen tools. (We aren’t allowed to use the stove or oven, so it’ll be something that doesn’t need to be cooked or will be taken home to cook) Each week, your teen will bring home something edible for your family to enjoy (appetizer, dinner, dessert, etc.). The teacher will send an email each week with a list of ingredients and kitchen tools that need to be brought to class.

11:00-12:00 Modern History and Current Events
This class will combine current events and recent history with critical thinking. We will discuss what’s happening in the world, what historical facts might relate to current events, and consider where we as citizens fit into both. It will be an interactive class with discussion and a variety of resources. While we will share our own opinions, the materials will be based in facts and multiple sides of any issue discussed will be presented.

Session 2:

10:00-11:00 Resume and Interview Skills
In preparation of your teen getting a job, this class will teach the dos and don’ts of building a resume and how to properly interview. Your teen will learn about the various parts of a resume and how to craft a well-written resume that will peak the interests of a hiring manager. Your teen will learn how to come across professional and polished during an interview, and how to stand out among their peers. A recruiter that’s been in the industry for 10 years with real-life examples will come in and help twice during our session. This class will culminate in a mock-interview session on Nov. 18th where your teen will get a chance to show off all they’ve learned.

11:00-12:00 Modern History and Current Events
This class will combine current events and recent history with critical thinking. We will discuss what’s happening in the world, what historical facts might relate to current events, and consider where we as citizens fit into both. It will be an interactive class with discussion and a variety of resources. While we will share our own opinions, the materials will be based in facts and multiple sides of any issue discussed will be presented.

It’s ice cream social time–hooray! Prospective members, this is your chance to come armed with all your questions about our co-op (we are really nice and promise to try and answer them all!). Current members, this is your chance to catch up with friends and have some social time before classes begin. It’s going to be fun!

Who: Current and Prospective co-op members

When: Wednesday, August 26 at 1:00pm

Where: Broadripple Park

New members will will also have the opportunity to tour our facilities (located in Broad Ripple) at some point in the afternoon.

Are you new and have questions before deciding if you want to join us? Head over to our Facebook page (link in sidebar) and ask your questions there. One of our super friendly members will happily try to help! 😀

Wanting to get a jumpstart on your fall calendar? Below are the dates for our Fall 2015 sessions.

Session 1:

Classes Meet: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Field Trip Week: October 5-9 (field trip only, no co-op classes this week)

Break Week: October 12-16

Session 2:

Classes Meet: Octover 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18

Field Trip Week: November 23-27 (field trip only, no co-op classes this week)

Break Week: November 30- December 4

Bonus Winter Session

Due to the way the calendar falls, we will be having the opportunity to have a winter bonus session this year! This will be a two week session of fun activities. Possible activities may include: talent show/student play, service projects, holiday crafts, etc.

This seems to be the time when many people start thinking ahead to the new school year. If you were a member of our co-op last school year, we miss you already! If you are new and considering joining us, welcome and we’re glad you are considering us! Please keep an eye on the website and our Facebook page (link in the sidebar) for messages regarding our upcoming planning meetings. We will also include the calendar (we don’t start classes until after Labor Day) and class descriptions for fall once all those details get ironed out.

Whether you are taking time off for summer or schooling year-round, I hope everyone is finding a few windows to sneak in some pool time and popsicles! 🙂

****ATTENTION **** Date Changed to Feb. 25th, 2015
We are excited to announce that this year we are revamping the annual Roots and Wings Science Fair to reflect the new ideas around the educational focus of STEAM (Science-Technology- Engineering-Art-Mathematics). The idea is that this will offer a broader range of creativity for students to display their critical thinking and problem solving skills that relate to, but are not limited to, the scientific method.
If you would like some more information about the STEAM idea, this website is helpful. http://stemtosteam.org/
Our STEAM Fair will take place at the Broad Ripple United Methodist Church on February 25th, 2015, at 1:00 pm.
Here are some guidelines to participation in the STEAM fair:
1. You do not have to be a member of Roots and Wings Co-op to participate in the steam fair. Any student is invited to participate.
2. You may work on a project in pairs or groups if you choose.
3. Each STEAM subject area has a guideline of criteria for that subject area, as well as an overall guideline for each project.
4. Each project and participant will be given feedback from adult and peer judges, as well as a participation certificate. However, competitive placements will not be awarded.
5. The guidelines that are provided for the Science and Engineering portion of the STEAM fair are loosely based on the guidelines for the Central Indiana Science and Engineering Fair. However, if you are interested in presenting your project to the Central Indiana Science and Engineering Fair, you should visit their website http://www.marian.edu/…/regional-science-and-engineering-fa… and follow their guidelines. You can also contact Lynn Thomas, M.S. Director, Central Indiana Science and Engineering Fair, lthomas@marian.edu for more information on how homeschoolers can participate in Indiana’s Science and Engineering Fair. The other subject guidelines for the R&W STEAM fair have been developed specifically for this event.

If you would like to participate in this event, please contact the event coordinator Carla Wimmersberger at Carla@saratogalearners.com. Once you have signed up, I will send you the guidelines for the subject areas.

There is one class change to the 5-7 class for session 4 (Feb 25-March25). The originally scheduled class was “Food and Farms” this is being changed to an Art History and Appreciation class. It sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun! See below for full class description.

If you have any questions, please direct them to our Facebook page.

Art History and Appreciation for 5-7’s: Session 4

Through this session, students will learn about a new artist each week, view works of art by great artists and discover the materials and techniques used to make pictures. We will also experiment with our own mediums such as water colors, oil and chalk pastels, tempura paint, clay and perhaps dot art so the kids can express themselves creatively. These opportunities to experiment with the different styles of various artists will hopefully increase their art vocabulary and appreciation, improve fine motor skills, and develop a sense of innovation and creativity. Keep in mind that the process of making pictures is most important, not the finished product!

I know this is a busy season for everyone, but co-op classes are quickly filling—don’t forget to complete and turn in your Spring 2015 registration forms! The deadline is December 30th, but I’d recommend sending it in now!

Don’t want to complete the form yet because you still have questions? No worries–just head over to our Facebook page (link in sidebar) and ask your question there. We’ve got a lot of VERY nice people that would love to help!

Are you looking for a way to extend your co-op day? If so, then think about staying for some of our afternoon enrichment classes. These are multi-age classes and the students have so much fun working together in these book and/or project-based classes. Nursery care will be available.

*Like morning classes, parents are expected to stay and participate. (Edited: you do NOT need to be enrolled in morning classes to participate in afternoon classes.)

12:45 – 1:15 Get Started in MineCraft (ages 8-12)
No cost.
Led by student Josh Heredia
This class will be an intro to Minecraft for those new to the program and a place to share your Minecraft worlds with others for those who are already advanced. Each student will need to download and install Minecraft on a laptop. No portable devices. (ie ipods, ipads, tablets etc)

1:15- 1:45 – Makey Makey Class (ages 8 +)
no cost
Led by student Clayton Wimmersberger
This exciting adventure will take you on a journey through the jungle of computer coding and the rain forest of engineering. We will combine those to navigate our way through some great projects that include musical fruit, melodic High Fives, and simple game programming.
Makey Makey kits are available online, though it is not required to have your own for this class.

1:45 – 2:15 Geography presentations – any age
no cost
Led by Carla Wimmersberger
For this half hour we take a journey to different parts of the world, while also learning many great presentation skills. Students pick a country and give a presentation on it. After each presentation fellow classmates give compliments and critiques for the presenter. Expectations for this class are based on age and experience. There are 1 or 2 presenters each week on a rotating basis.

2:15 – 2:45 Book Club (Ages 9 +)
no cost
Led By Carla Wimmersberger
We have chosen books from the Young Hoosier Book Award Nominees to read this year, this was a great way to ensure that all of our books would be available at the library to avoid having to purchase the books. We read a section of each book and come together to discuss. Each week each student should bring in 2 questions/comments that they have about the book. Some of our books have had online study guides that have been helpful in leading discussions as well.
So far this year we have read Shadow on the Mountain, Cardboard, and Lions of Little Rock.

We are reading Splendors and Glooms over break and will be discussing it on our first day back. Jan. 7th.

Followed by:Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal- the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
–And–A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
We usually start with few chapters and see how the kids are doing with it. Some books just take longer to read than others, so we try and make a timeline for each book based on how the book is going for the kids. At the first class of next session, Jan. 7th, we will discuss what books we would like to add to the list for the year.

Have Questions? Please join us on our Facebook page (link in sidebar) and we’ll do our best to answer any question you may have……well, about co-op at least. 🙂

Below is the registration form for the 2015 spring semester. The registration and payment deadline is December 30, 2014. *Please note: we do have limits on number of students per class. Don’t delay sending in those forms!